Marty's History
Colonel Martin J. Neuens, United States Air Force Academy Class of 1964, was born in Iron Mountain, MI. He reported to the Academy on 27 June 1960. While at the Academy, he was a member of the 24th Cadet Squadron. He was an avid skier and a member of the varsity ski team.
Upon graduation, Marty was assigned to Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) at Reese AFB, TX. He quickly established himself as one of the top pilots in his class. His skill and hard work earned him a coveted assignment to the F-105 Thunderchief, training in the 4523rd Combat Crew Training Squadron at Nellis AFB, NV, in preparation for his tour in Southeast Asia. In 1966, Marty was an F-105 Pilot assigned to the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) at Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. On 12 August 1966, while on a combat mission over North Vietnam, his F-105 was shot down and Marty was captured. He was incarcerated as a Prisoner of War (POW) in North Vietnam until 4 March 1973.
Following Marty's release, he was placed on convalescent leave. From 1974 to 1976, he was an A-7 Pilot and Assistant Operations Officer in the 357th TFS at Davis Monthan AFB, AZ. From 1977 to 1980, he was a Forward Air Controller with the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron and the Chief of Wing Training with the 602nd Tactical Air Control Wing/12th Air Force at Bergstrom AFB, TX. From 1980 to 1985, he was Chief of Air to Ground Tactics and Training and Deputy Chief of the Tactical Systems Division at AFOTEC Kirtland AFB, NM.
In 1985, Marty was assigned to Chanute AFB, IL as Commander of the 3360th Technical Training Group. From 1987 to 1990, he served as Professor of Aerospace Studies at AFROTC Detachment 155, University of Miami, FL. He retired from the Air Force, following a distinguished career of service and sacrifice, on 31 July 1990.
Colonel Neuens is the recipient of the Silver Star, 2 Legions of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts, and 3 Air Medals, and the Prisoner of War Medal. He holds a Master of Arts from University of Northern Colorado. He also holds a diploma from the Air War College and the Navy War College.
Marty and his wife Cindy reside in Tucson, AZ.
(Compiled from multiple sources by Doug Jenkins, '64)
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